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DISCOVER
Sandhills Communities
Where Nature, Heritage,
and Adventure Unite
The Sandhills region, a 10-county treasure that includes the vibrant Fayetteville metropolitan area, offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation. Once known as the Carolina Piney Woods, this area is defined by the majestic longleaf pine, the state tree, creating a picturesque backdrop for every adventure.
Home to Fort Bragg, the largest active military base in the country, and the proud Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the region is steeped in heritage and tradition. Its strong agricultural roots continue to thrive, producing fresh fruits, vegetables, and wood products that are shipped across the nation.
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Explore charming downtown districts filled with locally owned shops, eclectic restaurants, and vibrant public art. Dive into history at fascinating museums, and join in the fun at family-friendly festivals, holiday celebrations, farmers markets, and live concerts that bring the community to life.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Sandhills is a true playground. Tee off at world-class golf courses, saddle up for equestrian adventures, or paddle along the scenic Cape Fear and Lumber rivers by kayak or canoe. Hike through the Uwharrie National Forest, or take to the water on the Uwharrie River for an unforgettable nature experience. And don’t miss the mystery and history of the Town Creek Indian Mound, a state archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the region’s ancient past.
From rich cultural heritage to endless recreational opportunities, the Sandhills region is full of one-of-a-kind experiences waiting to be discovered. Plan your visit today and uncover the heart of North Carolina’s Sandhills.
NC Main Street Communities
1. Clinton
NC Main Street Designation Year: 1982
Sampson County
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Downtown Clinton
Clinton, NC 28328
Plan Your Visit
Visit Downtown Clinton website
3. Lumberton
NC Main Street Designation Year: 1988
Robeson County
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Downtown Lumberton
Lumberton, NC 28358
Plan Your Visit
Visit Downtown Lumberton website
5. Aberdeen
NC Main Street Designation Year: 2017
Moore County
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Downtown Aberdeen
Aberdeen, NC 28315
Plan Your Visit
Visit Downtown Aberdeen website
2. Whiteville
NC Main Street Designation Year: 2021
Columbus County
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Downtown Whiteville
701 S. Madison Street
Whiteville, NC 28472
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Plan Your Visit
Visit Downtown Whiteville website
4. Laurinburg
NC Main Street Designation Year: 2018
Scotland County
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Downtown Laurinburg
Laurinburg, NC 28352
Plan Your Visit
Visit Downtown Laurinburg website
6. Troy
NC Main Street Designation Year: 2016
Montgomery County
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Downtown Troy
Troy, NC 27371
Plan Your Visit
Sandhills Trails and Outdoor Recreation
Mountains to Sea Trail
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a simple footpath stretching almost 1,200 miles across North Carolina from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks. More than just a walk in the woods, the trail traces the diversity that is North Carolina. Experience ancient mountains and small Piedmont farms, coastal swamps and colonial towns, changing textile villages and barrier islands. Almost 700 miles of footpath are now completed. With temporary routes on back roads and bicycle paths, hikers can now follow the trail on an adventure across North Carolina.
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NC Birding Trail
The North Carolina Birding Trail serves as a driving trail to link birders and nature-based tourists with great birding sites across the state and the local communities in which they are found.
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Each of our locations are their own entities. From state parks, to greenways, to arboretums, to game lands, our sites are each their own prime spots for engaging with nature.
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NC Scenic Byway
North Carolina's 61 scenic byways allow motorists to experience a bit of the state's history, geography and breathtaking scenery while raising awareness for the protection and preservation of these treasures. Travelers can get to know North Carolina's people and communities and see the diverse beauty the Tar Heel state has to offer – from the high peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the fertile hills of the Piedmont to the marshes, sounds and beaches of the coast.
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Calloway Forest Preserve
Forests like Calloway help "bridge the gap" between existing protected areas by providing corridors for wildlife and restoring critical tracts degraded by fire suppression. The Nature Conservancy protected Calloway Forest in collaboration with state and federal agencies. The NC Department of Transportation purchased the tract as mitigation for effects on red-cockaded woodpecker habitat, established an endowment for its stewardship, and transferred it to The Nature Conservancy. The forest is managed in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and it will eventually be included in the state's Game Lands program, managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
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Uwharrie National Forest
The Uwharrie National Forest was first purchased by the federal government in 1931 during the Great Depression. The land was known as the Uwharrie Reservation. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed these federal lands in Montgomery, Randolph, and Davidson Counties the Uwharrie National Forest. It is one of the most recently formed in the National Forest System. Though small, at only 50,189 acres, the Uwharrie provides a variety of natural resources, including clean rivers and streams, diverse vegetation for scenery, wildlife habitat and wood products. There is also a wide variety of recreational activities, and the Forest is a natural setting for tourism and economic development.
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Roy J. Maness Nature Preserve
This preserve, located in Troy is the northern most point in Troy's greenway system and includes a lake for fishing, camping area, picnic shelter and over 6 miles of walking/hiking trails. Troy continues to add to the trail system.
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